Romans 12:3, The Christian Is to Be Humble
Romans 12:3 (KJV) 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to be humble. To think more highly literally means to over think or think above and so to be proud and haughty. The spiritual gifts bestowed by God must not cause spiritual pride. He encourages them to use their spiritual gifts for the blessing of the body of Christ. He acknowledges that it is by God’s grace or unmerited favour that he could serve God. It is the same for them. To think soberly is to exercise sound judgment. Christians are to live humbly before God because all they are and have comes from Him. Christians are endowed with faith by God to exercise their gifts to edify, build up and bless other Christians.
Someone asked Augustine what was the first of the religious graces, and he said, “Humility.” They asked him what was the second and he replied, “Humility.” They asked him the third, and he said, “Humility.” I think that if we are humble, we have all the graces.¹
Our Lord Jesus sets for us the example of a meek and humble spirit by His consecration and His holy resolve to fulfill His Father’s will always. At the Garden of Gethsemane, He agonized in prayer that the Father would grant Him strength to endure the sufferings and humiliation of the cross to purchase our redemption. The angel appeared unto Him from heaven and strengthened Him. What an encouragement for every suffering saint. Our Lord knows. He understands when we cry to Him when it seems so difficult to walk according to Scriptures. It is indeed through God’s grace. Jesus suffered, and even died, but He rose victorious over death on the third day giving to us everlasting life and hope!
May God bless you with a humble spirit to serve His people. Amen.
¹Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.